Thursday, January 29, 2009

Size Really Doesn't Matter

I have a feeling that a lot of my pet peeves and frustrations about both the fashion industry and women's skewed perceptions of themselves will come to light very quickly. So here's issue one:I will never understand the tunnel vision that overtakes a woman when she sees the size on a piece of clothing. Why on earth do you care if that reads a 6 or a 10? Because honestly, one store's 6 is another store's 10. If you haven't figured it out yet, this sizing convention was most likely created by men and is adjusted based on a stores' clientele. Retailers want women (I should say people, but this tactic is pretty much geared towards women) to buy more--and women buy more when they think they are skinnier and have lost weight. I realize that is screwed up, but it sells product.

No one ever listens to me when I say this, but I am going to try again. Buy clothes that fit--all that matters is that they make you look and feel like a superstar. Fit the widest part of your top or bottom and go from there. It took me a long time to learn that; I have a broad back and big shoulders, so finding tops has never been a walk in the park. But I know that if they pull, gape or if I can't raise my arms, they don't fit. And if they don't fit, I am never going to wear them, let alone make them look good.

Don't limit your potential because of a random even number. As a side note, if you are over 18, the numbers should be even. 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 are for juniors.

When I am picking out clothes (and I range from a 6 to a 12 depending on the piece of clothing), I look for a few major indicators to tell me to go a size up:

Gaping at the chest--If I'm going to be rebuttoning or pulling on a shirt all day when I wear it, it probably isn't going to do me any favors

Pulling at the hips--whiskers at the crotch and hips are friends to no woman

Shoulder seams that hit between my neck and my shoulder--I prefer having some sort of mobility in my upper body. Shoulder seams are there for a reason...to sit at your shoulder.

The concept is not new, just hard for women to accept. The outside world doesn't see the number on your label; they just see an amazing fit. So why shouldn't you?

2 comments:

Have to tell you that 5 people asked me if I lost weight today. Funny thing: I've actually gained weight, but I've stocked up on a few well fitting items. That means I actually LOOK better, which makes me FEEL better. Like a million bucks.

i would like to add - find a tailor! then when you are 'between sizes' at your favorite store or they suddenly start making pants long enough for amazons, your clothes can still fit.i have often thought people should spend more time looking in the mirror before they leave the house. then they might notice muffin tops or the fact that a double-d chest does not actually fit in a size 6 corset top.